Team New Zealand's helmsman remains confident of their chances, despite letting Oracle Team USA get their first point in the America's Cup.
Oracle Team USA won their first race of the America's Cup in Bermuda today, beating Emirates Team New Zealand by 11 seconds in race six.
Team New Zealand have won five races against Oracle Team USA in Bermuda. Photo: Emirates Team New Zealand
Unlike race five earlier this morning, race six was a much tighter contest with neither team getting an advantage of more than 15 seconds throughout the seven-leg race.
The pivotal moment came at gate five when Team New Zealand dipped its bow in the water, drastically reducing the boat's speed which gave Team USA a 150 metre lead.
The win gives Oracle Team USA its first point, the cup holders still trail Emirates Team New Zealand four-one.
Earlier Emirates Team New Zealand beat Oracle Team USA by over two minutes in race five of the America's Cup.
Team USA were penalised twice during the race, the first coming on the start line after crossing it too early.
After claiming the lead by a narrow margin, Team USA were penalised again during the third leg for not giving way to Team New Zealand.
Peter Burling on a win and a loss going 4-1 up #americascup2017 @rnz_news pic.twitter.com/C48ZyQHScq
— Todd Niall (@toddniall) June 24, 2017
Speaking to RNZ after the races, Team NZ helmsman Peter Burling said while he had made a few small errors in the day's racing, they still managed to come away with one win.
"It just shows how tricky these boats are... if you may one little mistake you really pay."
Asked if Jimmy Spithall's Oracle was faster, Burling replied: "I think he couldn't have been much slower than last weekend".
He said he was expecting similar conditions for tomorrow's races.
"It's going to be a pretty similar weather pattern for the next five days... we're still really happy with how our boat's going.
"We're set up for a good battle and this is exactly what we expect."
Race seven is scheduled to take place tomorrow.
Team New Zealand during racing on day three of the America's Cup. Photo: Emirates Team New Zealand
-RNZ
